Diversity champion wins ACS award

Maria Markman is on a mission to bring more females into ICT.

Maria Markman recognised for her work in diversity in the ICT sector
Maria believes it’s up an individual to take as little or as much from each situation and encourages existing members to utilise the company’s benefits to further their professional and personal attributes.
In November last year, Maria was appointed to the Chair of ACS Victoria and began in the role in January. She also sits on the #TechDiversity committee, which recognises marginalised people working in the ICT sector.
“I know I am setting an example for other women. To progress in our careers, we must not only support ourselves, but each other too,” she said.
ACS President Anthony Wong acknowledged Maria’s outstanding work.

Maria Markman has received the 2016 ACS President’s Award, acknowledging her contribution to diversity in the ICT sector.

The President’s Award recognises strong innovators and leaders in the field.

“It is an honour, it was very unexpected. It just encourages me to do more,” she said.

“Maria has been a driving force in implementing diversity within ACS. It is an honour to recognise her for her contributions to our organisation and Australia’s ICT community,” he said.

This year, Maria’s goals include expanding diversity across ACS – the Victorian branch already having introduced the growing diversity taskforce – and encouraging more girls to consider ICT careers.

Maria’s active involvement within the ACS has seen her rise to leadership positions within the ICT sector. In 2015 she was the Chair of ACS Victoria for Women and early in her term she dedicated to forming a committee that brought women to speak at organised events. She has also been a board member Vic ICT for Women, actively encouraging women to engage with the ICT sector.

After the birth of her first child, Maria’s approach to increasing diversity grew exponentially. She continued to hone her professional and personal development while on maternity leave by creating a plan to improve soft skills such as spirituality, emotional intelligence and networking. This allowed her to return to the workforce with ease. She now advocates for new mums in the ICT sector to do the same. Maria says surrounding herself with female support networks was instrumental in maintaining her confidence as a working professional.